FLOWERS: RAP'S FIRST SUPERSTAR, LL COOL J.

SHOW DISCIPLINE

“YOU DON’T WANNA BORROW THAT, YOU WANNA IDOLIZE.”

LL Cool J released his first album entitled Radio in 1985. The Original G.O.A.T. has influenced plenty of hip hop artist over his long career. He is a staple and a legend in the genre we call hip hop. The first hip hop artist to be honored at the Kennedy Center. He’s respected by rappers from all eras of rap including DMC, Method Man and Eminem.

Being the first artist to be signed to the legendary record label Def Jam has to come with some stories. I imagine LL Cool J has seen it all he’s battled other rappers, he’s jumped on records with Biggie 10 years into his career when people were counting him out, and he created the blueprint for modern rappers…make music for the ladies. I don’t believe the legend gets enough credit so why don’t we take a closer look at some great moments Mr. Smith gave us.

By 1988, LL Cool J (20 years old) had released his second album Bigger and Deffer. The album’s second single I Need Love was a top 20 record on billboard and the album went double platinum. By today’s standards he would be a young legend to say the least.

1995, LL Cool J releases Mr. Smith, the album includes 3 top 10 singles. This is the era where the G.O.A.T. proved his longevity in a young genre. Milestones only a pioneer could have, the album went double platinum. LL moves on to Hollywood, but still found to time battle Canibus on his own record.

LL Cool J is an Icon in Hip Hop that has done things only a legend can do. The genre of Hip Hop was very young when LL Cool J released radio and so was he. Both have grown and matured. Both will be celebrated and revered.